Pros
Acceptable Benefits Package: The benefits package at Natwest Boxed (Mettle) is the only notable pro. It's reasonably comprehensive and aligns with what's typically offered in the industry.
Cons
Lack of Vision and Direction: There's a noticeable absence of clear and coherent strategic vision from the top echelons of management, creating inefficiency and confusion within the engineering teams. Inefficient Management Practices: The approach to management, especially at higher levels, is disorganized and lacks transparency. This results in frequent and disruptive changes that adversely affect planning and team morale. Inadequate Resources and Support: For the scale of the projects undertaken, there's a stark under-provision of essential resources, both in terms of technology and manpower, leading to overburdened teams. Toxic Work Culture and Bullying: Bullying from Senior Engineering Managers and Above: A major issue is the prevalence of bullying behaviour originating from senior engineering managers and higher-ups. This leads to a hostile work environment, affecting team morale and mental health. Lack of Support for Bullying Victims: The company lacks sufficient mechanisms for employees to report bullying, leaving those affected without the necessary support. Suppression of Open Communication: Due to this bullying culture, there is a significant suppression of open communication and collaboration, hindering innovation and teamwork. Observations of Unprofessional Behavior: There have been noticeable instances of verbal abuse and unfair treatment by senior management, which are deeply concerning and unacceptable in a professional setting. Limited Career Advancement Opportunities: There's a distinct lack of clear and accessible pathways for professional growth and development, which is demotivating for ambitious individuals. Overall: My tenure at Natwest Boxed (Mettle) as an engineering manager has been predominantly overshadowed by a lack of direction from the top, inefficient management, and a toxic work culture characterized by bullying from senior leadership. Urgent reform in leadership and management practices is necessary to cultivate a more positive and productive work environment.